What is the best pet insurance?

Based on our research criteria, we believe the best pet insurance plans for come from Lemonade, MetLife, and Spot. However, the best pet insurance plan is the one that offers you the coverage you need while maximizing your benefits and minimizing your out-of-pocket costs. If you’re still having trouble deciding, consider reading our full article where we explain how to find the best pet insurance .

Is pet insurance expensive?

Compared to the cost of paying for everything out of pocket, pet insurance is relatively affordable. However, you’ll want to ensure you understand your coverage and take full advantage by using it. The average cost of pet insurance is around $19 to $30 per month , but you may end up spending more if your pet needs advanced care or if you decide to opt for a wellness plan that covers routine care.

Can you get pet insurance to cover vaccines?

If you get pet insurance with a wellness plan, it can usually cover vaccines, exam fees and other routine expenses.

Does pet insurance cover prescription medications?

Many pet insurance policies cover prescription medications and even prescription foods used to treat certain covered illnesses. That said, pet insurance doesn’t usually cover medications used to treat pre-existing conditions or other conditions excluded in your policy.

Is pet insurance tax deductible?

Pet insurance is not tax deductible unless your pet contributes to your income in some way. For example, if you use a border collie to herd sheep on a working farm, you may be able to deduct its pet insurance premiums on your business tax return.

Do all vets take pet insurance?

Pet insurance doesn’t work like human health insurance. In other words, vets don’t usually bill the pet insurance company. Instead, your insurer reimburses you for expenses you’ve already incurred. There are a few pet insurance policies that will pay the vet directly , similar to how human health insurance works. However, some vets may not work with these providers.

What is the typical monthly cost of pet insurance?

On average, we’ve found that pet insurance costs about $15-$40 per month for cats and $25-$75 per month for dogs. However, the cost fluctuates based on your individual scenario, such as the age and breed of your pet, and the level of policy coverage you choose. We recommend comparing prices here .

Top 3 Best Pet Insurance Companies 2024 | Top Rated Pet Insurance Comparison

Maximum annual coverage

$5,000 - $100,000

Reimbursement choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $500

Maximum annual coverage

$1,000-$10,000

Reimbursement choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible choices

$50, $100, $250, $500

Maximum annual coverage

$2,500 - Unlimited

Reimbursement choices

70%, 80%, 90%

Deductible choices

$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

$5,000 - $100,000

70%, 80%, 90%

$100, $250, $500

Lemonade is renowned for its affordable accident & illness coverage and its many customizable plans. They’re among the few providers that include an option for dental coverage, a valuable feature in pet insurance.

Lemonade is the only pet insurance provider we reviewed with no waiting period for accidents in most states. There is a 14-day waiting period for illnesses and a 30-day waiting period for orthopedic conditions. Waiting periods may differ depending on your location, so checking your policy details is important.

Lemonade’s easy-to-use mobile app lets you seamlessly manage your pet’s policy and file claims. Some users receive instant approval and reimbursement for their claims, while others may see it within a week. Lemonade is known for providing top-tier customer service and offers personalized, kind assistance to its customers.

Add-ons from Lemonade include coverage for preventative care, vet visit fees, dental illness, physical therapy, behavioral conditions, and end-of-life care and remembrance.

Read our full Lemonade review

Comprehensive coverage
Discount for bundling with other policies from Lemonade
Various add-ons available

Age restrictions
Not available in certain states
No unlimited coverage option

$1,000-$10,000

70%, 80%, 90%

$50, $100, $250, $500

We love that MetLife has same-day accident coverage, which goes into effect at midnight on the day you buy a policy, a far shorter wait than many pet insurance companies require.

Illness coverage requires a 14-day wait before coverage is effective. Many orthopedic conditions are also covered at the time that illness coverage kicks in.

We also like how they offer a variety of discounts for pet parents, like multi-pet discounts, employer benefit discounts, first-responder discounts, health care worker discounts, and more. On top of that, your deductible has the potential to decrease each year you don’t file a claim!

If you have multiple pets, you can take advantage of their family plan. The family plan allows you to buy one policy, with one deductible and annual limit, that can be shared between up to 3 pets.

Read our full MetLife review

Deductible as low as $50
Coverage for exotic animals
No initial exam required for enrollment
Super short waiting period of accident coverage

No unlimited coverage option
No vet-direct pay
Max 3 pets for multipet/family policy

$2,500 - Unlimited

70%, 80%, 90%

$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Spot offers a wide range of annual coverage and deductible options to suit all budgets and is one of a few providers that offer a discount for owners with multiple pets (10%).

Another benefit to Spot is that there is no maximum enrollment age, meaning elderly pets can get coverage at any time.

Spot offers several plan options including an accident-only plan, an accident & illness plan, and 2 tiers of wellness add-ons (Gold & Platinum) which can cover things like teeth cleaning. With Spot Pet Insurance, euthanasia and exam fees (for covered conditions) are included with their accident & illness plan.

Spot has a 14-day waiting period for accidents, illnesses, and ligament/knee conditions. They even cover pre-existing conditions if they are considered curable and your pet has not had symptoms or treatments for at least 180 days.

Read our full Spot review

Unlimited coverage option
Various options to customize your policy
Preventive care add-on available
Affordable plans

Doesn’t cover prescription food
Longer waiting period for accident coverage than many insurers

Unlimited

80%, 90%

$250

CarePlus is one of the only companies that offer up to 100% reimbursement for prescription products. There is no maximum age of enrollment and they offer unlimited coverage limits. With all CarePlus accident & illness plans, you’ll get access to telemedicine via chat/video which gives you free vet consultations. This can save you time and money before going into an office by ruling out whether something is an emergency.

CarePlus offers various levels of plans including their Accident Only plan, Value Accident & Illness plan, Essential Plus Accident & Illness plan, and the Complete Accident & Illness plan. You can customize your plan with optional add-ons such as the Preventive Wellness plan.

Depending on the plan you choose, you will have a 2-5 day waiting period for accidents, a 14-day waiting period for new illnesses, and either a 14-day, 30-day, or 6-month wait for cruciate ligament conditions. On the downside, dental disease and exam fees are not covered in all plans.

Read our full review

No max enrollment age
Covers prescription products
Free online vet consultations
Wellness plans are available

Not all plans cover dental disease
Higher prices than some insurers
Won’t cover alternative medicine

$5,000 - Unlimited

70%, 80%, 90%

$100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Embrace offers highly customizable plans and ample discounts to customers with multiple pets (10% off) or who are military members (5% off). They have an accident & illness plan with optional wellness coverage as an add-on. The wellness plan works like a savings tool, giving you access to funds upfront and letting you pay it off with your monthly premium.

In case of an emergency, you’ll also get access to 24/7 virtual assistance via telemedicine calls which can help you diagnose if it’s necessary to rush to an in-person emergency vet. This feature alone could save you hundreds on vet bills, which is another reason we love Embrace Pet Insurance.

With Embrace’s accident and illness plan you’ll have a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

Read our full review

Affordable plans
Many options to customize plans
Various discounts available

Doesn’t pay vet directly
No exotic pet coverage

$5,000 - Unlimited

70%, 80%, 90%

$50, $100, $200, $250, $500, $1,000

We like Pets Best because it offers competitively priced plans with a wide range of deductible options. This is great for people on a budget as it allows you to tailor your plan to what you can afford. There is also no age limit for sign-ups, meaning you can purchase coverage for your pet later in life. You’ll also get unlimited access to a 24/7 emergency vet hotline for quick consultations at all hours of the day.

Pets Best offers multiple plans including an Accident-only plan, as well as 3 tiers called Essential, Plus, and Elite. You can also opt for an add-on for wellness / routine care plans for an extra fee.

Last, but not least, Pets Best is one of the few providers who can pay the vet directly for you. Simply download the reimbursement release form from their website and have your vet’s office sign and agree to receive payment directly from the provider and Pet’s Best will handle the rest.

With Pets Best you can expect a waiting period of 3 days for accidents, 14 days for illnesses, and 6 months for cruciate ligament conditions.

Read our full Pets Best review

Unlimited coverage option
Many deductible options
No age limit for enrollment
Vet-direct pay option

Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Doesn’t cover breed-specific issues

$10,000 - Unlimited

90%

$100, $250, $500, $1,000

We love Pumpkin for its wide-reaching coverage and reimbursement level. Where other companies let you choose low reimbursement levels, Pumpkin ensures you get 90% back on covered claims and has no maximum age of enrollment. As an added benefit, owners with multiple pets get a 10% discount on policies. When it comes to coverage, what is offered as add-ons from other companies comes standard at Pumpkin.

Pumpkin has a standard accident & illness plan that covers exam fees, dental illnesses, behavioral issues, hereditary & congenital conditions, rehab therapies, and end-of-life services. You can also customize your plan with an optional add-on for preventative care.

With Pumpkin’s accident & illness plan, there is a 14-day waiting period. While this is longer than some other providers, Pumpkin has no extended waiting period for hip dysplasia or knee injuries making it a great option for animals prone to joint issues.

Read our full Pumpkin review

Unlimited coverage option
Optional wellness add-on available

Only one reimbursement option
No vet-direct pay

Unlimited

50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%

$50, $100, $250, $500, $750, $1,000

Healthy Paws has excellent customer reviews and is one of the few providers on the market that can pay the vet for you directly. This is a huge draw for many pet owners as it means next to no out-of-pocket costs to you. The only caveat is that you must call and request a simple authorization before the vet treats your pet. Otherwise, you can pay and be reimbursed.

Healthy Paws also offers many choices for reimbursement and deductibles, which is great for those wanting to tailor a plan to fit their budget. You can choose a reimbursement percentage between 50%-90%. Healthy Paws only offers an accident & illness plan with unlimited coverage. They don’t have an accident-only or wellness plan.

With the Healthy Paws accident and illness plan there’s a 15-day waiting period for accidents and illness and a 12-month waiting period for conditions linked to hip dysplasia. These are some of the longest waiting periods in the industry, which could be a deal-breaker for some people.

Read our full review

Unlimited coverage
Affordable plans
Five reimbursement levels to choose from

Max age limit for enrollment
Doesn’t cover dental disease
No wellness add-on available

$5,000 - Unlimited

70%, 80%, 90%, 100%

$100, $200, $500, $750, $1,000, $1,500

Figo is known for its fast claim processing which is a huge benefit to its customers. Figo is one of the few providers that offer 100% reimbursement (on plans with deductibles of $500+). It’s also great for elderly animals as it has no age limit for enrollment.

You can also opt for add-ons that offer wellness coverage and reimbursement for vet exam fees. All plans come with 24/7 vet assistance chat. Video/phone telehealth consultations are available as part of the wellness add-on.

With Figo, there is a 1-day waiting period for accidents and injuries, which is one of the shortest in the industry. There is a 14 day waiting period for illnesses. For dogs, there is also a 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions. However, this can be waived if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days of your policy and your pet is deemed healthy.

Read our full review

Fast claim processing
No max age limit for enrollment
Short waiting period for accidents and injuries
100% reimbursement option

Doesn’t pay vet directly
No accident-only plan option
More expensive than some insurers

$5,000 - $15,000

70%, 80%, 90%

$300, $500, $700

Fetch by The Dodo offers simple and straightforward plans with some of the most comprehensive coverage on the market. Fetch only offers their Standard accident & illness plan, which includes TeleVet services and dental coverage at no extra cost. However, unlike some other providers, there is no preventative/wellness plan option with this provider.

We love Fetch because they cover many additional things that competitors don’t. If your pet is lost, Fetch will cover expenses for lost pet ads and will even chip in to offer a reward. If you are in the hospital, they’ll pay for boarding & kennel costs.

Fetch has a waiting period of 15 days for accidents & illness and a 6-month waiting period for injuries for knee & hip injuries. However, this can be waived if you get an orthopedic exam within the first 30 days of your policy and your pet is deemed healthy.

Read our full review

Very comprehensive coverage
Included telehealth services
Covers boarding fees if owner is in the hospital
Add-on coverage available

No accident-only plan
No multi-pet discount
Requires pets to have a yearly checkup

$5,000 - Unlimited

70%, 80%, 90%

$100, $250, $500

Paw Protect offers an accident & illness plan as well as an optional Wellness plan available as an add-on. Like some other providers, it comes with 24/7 telemedicine coverage which allows you to speak to a vet in case you have an emergency and aren’t sure whether to take your animal in for a visit. This is called PawSupport, and is available even on nights, weekends, and holidays. It also offers considerable discounts if you have multiple pets (10% off) or are a military member (5% off).

We recommend opting for the unlimited plan with 90% reimbursement. However, if you are tight on cash, there are several other plan limits ($5,000, $10,000 & Unlimited) that offer great coverage at an affordable price.

Paw Protect accident and illness plan has a two-day waiting period for accidents and a 14-day waiting period for illnesses. There is a six-month waiting period for canine orthopedic conditions, which can be reduced to 14 days if you complete an orthopedic exam and waiver process.

Read our full Paw Protect review

Unlimited coverage option
Wellness plan add-on available
Pays vet directly

Max age for full coverage
Doesn’t cover boarding

No waiting period (in most states)

Midnight on Same Day

30 days (in most states)

Age	Mixed-Breed Dog	Mixed-Breed Cat
1	$42.75	$32.41
4	$48.29	$34.95
7	$72.27	$48.95

Type of pet

The type of pet you have has a big impact on how much pet insurance costs. Most pet insurance companies charge more for dog insurance than cat insurance. Also, you’ll likely pay more to insure large dogs, as they’re more prone to heart conditions and joint problems.

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Breed

Some breeds have higher vet expenses than others, which may increase your premium. For example, Rottweilers are susceptible to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and aortic stenosis, an illness that causes narrowing of the aortic valve.

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Age

If you want to give your pet the best care, sign it up for pet insurance at a young age. Enrolling early gives you a chance to secure coverage before your pet develops any pre-existing conditions. Your premiums will also be lower for a young pet than for an older pet.

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Gender

It costs a little less to care for female pets, so your premium may be higher if you have a male dog or cat.

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Location

The cost of living in your city also plays a role in determining how much you pay for pet insurance. Pet owners in Los Angeles, Seattle, New York, San Francisco and other major cities tend to have higher costs than pet owners in rural areas.

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Coverage options

Your annual limit, deductible and reimbursement rate all have an impact on your pet insurance premium. A deductible is what you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company starts covering any eligible vet expenses. Your reimbursement rate is the percentage of eligible expenses that your policy covers. For example, if you have a 90% reimbursement rate, your insurer will reimburse you for 90% of the costs associated with treating a covered illness or injury.

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